Wildlife picture of the month

Each month since September 2022 I've been doing "Wildlife picture of the month" posts, and I plan to do this for a whole year. This month I shall be discussing a very important large wild animal in the British countryside, and these are wild horses. 

They can be found mainly nature reserves, grazing and in many herds. They wallow in the muddy waters and drink from the fresh streams. They like rough course grass including herbs. Their feeding habits nourishes the landscape and creates soil for much more wild flowers and creatures. They mostly live in woodlands, hills and fields. From New Forest ponies in south England to the Eriskay ponies of Scotland, wild horses can also be found in Camargue, Shetland, Exmoor, Iceland, Konok and the Dülmen Reserve. 

While these horses or ponies are seen roaming across the countryside, they're not really feral either because there are official bodies of people who look after them. Around nature reserves such as the New Forest are the verderers, Agisters and New Forest Commoners. These people have been organised to care and study these horses and they were established many centuries ago. They ensure that the horses are safe and healthy, tending to any during accidents, illness or ailments. Without these ponies and their grazing, the woodlands would turn into swamps. It's very unwise for members of the public to feed the horses. If they do then they'll get a fine and a criminal record, plus a nasty kick. 

So if you visit these places, be kind, respect nature and animals.

She Wolf Night